Clear skies for the most part, golden larches, terrific views and great company – all the ingredients for a super day. It was a little chilly at the start but altitude gain soon resolves that issue. It had been cold overnight as attested by occasional icy patches on the trail. Lots of mushrooms were along the trail, but of course the main attraction was to get to larch country and we were not disappointed:


The Monarch and Ramparts

The views became more expansive as we climbed and there was time for a group shot at Healy Pass:


The group at Healy Pass (Mt.Ball in distance)

It was very clear with views from Assiniboine to up the icefields Parkway, and to the southwest the Bugaboos were visible. We continued up the peak to the north, enduring a cold breeze from the west, but were able to have a pleasant lunch on the leeward slope with views across extensive meadows towards Bourgeau:


Mount Bourgeau from above Healy Pass

Binoculars revealed 3 figures on Bourgeau’s summit. The only wildlife spotted during the hike was a falcon cruising below us at the lunch stop. We continued along the ups and downs of the ridge before descending through the larch forest back down to the trail:


A big old larch on the descent to Healy Pass trail

The trail was muddier on the descent as the ice had melted and we were back at the cars a little after 4pm. The return drive was like too many recent trips back to the city on Highway 1, it was tediously backed up from the Morley turnoff to Highway 22 with very slow going and stoppages in spots. That probably added at least half an hour to the return.
Thanks everyone! Participants: Kim, David, Phyllis, Caroline (first hike with the Ramblers, Welcome!), Bernie, Laszlo, Denise, Jane, Barbara & Ron C/S/P.